LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a text message scam designed to trick people into sharing personal and financial information.
The agency says several individuals, including its own employees, have reported receiving messages claiming to be from “Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Offices.”
According to the sheriff’s office, the texts warn recipients about supposed “outstanding traffic infractions” and threaten license suspension, fines, and credit consequences unless immediate payment is made through a link.
Officials say the messages are fraudulent and not sent by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that Kentucky does not send text messages demanding payment for traffic violations, and government agencies do not issue threats of immediate penalties through unsolicited texts. Investigators also noted that the phone number linked to the messages originates outside the United States.
Authorities urge people not to click any links, not to respond to the message, and to delete it immediately. They also recommend reporting the scam to your mobile carrier and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to share this warning with family, friends, and co-workers, especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams.
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